Christie signs bill aimed at limiting unemployment benefits fraud

A bill aimed at preventing employees from fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Christie.

The law now requires employers to report new hires to the state Department of Human Services, with the intent of sharing that information with other agencies to limit benefits fraud.

"This requirement will be very helpful in stemming the incidence of those who fail to inform the appropriate department they have returned to work," Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (R-Randolph), the bill's primary sponsor in the Assembly, said today in a release.

The law also will apply to those rehired by the same employer after at least 60 days of separation from his or previous term of employment. Employers will have up to 20 days following a new hire or rehire to submit the required information to the state.

"The citizens of New Jersey count on their legislators to make sure their tax dollars are used lawfully and responsibly," state Sen. Tony Bucco (R-Denville), a primary sponsor of the Senate bill, said today in release. "With the signing of this law, New Jersey can make sure that those who are truly in need receive assistance while safely protecting tax dollars from waste and abuse."

The bill unanimously passed the Assembly in June, and received another unanimous stamp of approval last month from the Senate.

"Our residents are being extremely careful with how they budget and spend as our economy recovers," Tony Bucco said. "It is imperative that their government does the same."

Share This Story On:

Andrew George

Andrew George covers the Statehouse from NJBIZ's Trenton bureau. Born and raised in N.J., Andrew has also spent time as a reporter in D.C., Texas and Pa. His email is andrewg@njbiz.com and he is @AndrGeorge on Twitter.